Fat Reduction Treatments

Body Contouring (Cryolipolysis)

What is Cryolipolysis?Cryolipolysis is a non-invasive fat removal procedure. It is the cooling of subcutaneous fat cells, which induces lipolysis, which is the breaking down of the fat cells, without damaging any of the surrounding tissues or the skin. Following the procedure, the fat breaks down over a period of two to four months, resulting in fat loss that appears entirely natural.

How does it work?Cryolipolysis works on the basis that fat cells are more vulnerable to energy extraction – in this case, cooling, than the surrounding tissues.

That means that cryolipolysis will break down the fat cells, but not the surrounding tissues.

Once cooled, the fat cells then undergo apoptosis, which is controlled cell death. When apoptosis happens, the fat cell wall breaks down causing lipids (fats) from the cells to be released.

These lipids are transported by your lymphatic drainage system to be processed and eliminated through the body in the same way that fat from your food is eliminated. This process is very gradual, meaning that there is no danger of your lymphatic system being overloaded.

How long does it last?You may start to see changes as quickly as three weeks following your treatment, but will experience the most signs of change between one and three months after treatment. Your body is still flushing fat cells out via your metabolism and will continue doing so for up to four to six months following treatment.

Additional treatments may be performed two to four months after the initial procedure to achieve greater fat reduction.

For example, clinical studies using the CoolSculpting device show that it provides “noticeable, measurable fat reduction in properly selected patients over the course of two to four months after the procedure”, and that “patients experiencing fat layer reduction show persistent results at least six months after the CoolSculpting treatment”.

Long-term clinical studies have not yet been completed to show exactly how long results can last, although as long as you maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, long-term results are expected to remain stable.

What can Cryolipolysis treat?Cryolipolysis works to reduce fat in specific areas of the body. It’s most commonly used on the stomach and back.

It cannot be used on the breasts and it cannot be used to reduce cellulite, (studies are ongoing on the application of this technology for this indication).

If you have a specific area in mind for your cryolipolysis procedure, speak to your therapist first to see if that area can be treated with cryolipolysis.

Ideal candidates are relatively fit and healthy individuals, but have some modest sized, stubborn fat bulges that are not easily reduced through diet and exercise, common areas known as love handles, bra bulges or muffins tops.

Cryolipolysis is not intended for weight loss or as an obesity cure, and it is not a substitute for more invasive and larger fat removal methods such as liposuction.

What happens during a Cryolipolysis treatment?Firstly, you and your practitioner will decide which area to treat. Careful discussions regarding your reasons for wanting treatment are very important before you begin the treatment. You must also make sure that this treatment can deliver what you want and how you would like to look afterwards. Your practitioner should be able to answer all these questions.

A medical history should also be taken to make sure that there are no reasons why you shouldn’t undertake treatment. You may be asked to sign a consent form which means that you have understood the potential benefits and risks associated with the procedure.

Photographs may also be taken by the practitioner for a “before and after” comparison at a later date.

ProcedureDuring the procedure, two non-invasive cooling panels are applied to the skin and the area of fat that you wish to treat is drawn upwards between the two panels. This will just feel like a firm pull, with a little bit of pressure, but it will not be painful.

The fat cells will then be cooled for around one to two hours, depending on your personal needs. At first, the area that is being treated will feel very, very cold but after a little while you won’t notice the temperature anymore. Many patients will chat on their phone or read a book during treatment.

How long will it take to recover from Cryolipolysis treatment?There is hardly any recovery time associated with cryolipolysis.It is entirely non-invasive, and so in most cases, patients can return to their normal regime on the same day as the procedure, although you might want to wait a day or two before returning to your normal regime if you experience any redness or soreness on the treated area.

What are the risks and potential complications from Cryolipolysis treatment?There aren’t many side effects associated with cryolipolysis.Because it is non-invasive, there are no open wounds and therefore there is no risk of infection.

However, some patients may experience redness, numbness, soreness, bruising, tingling, swelling or some discomfort in the treated area – this is simply due to how the tissue is drawn up between the two cooling plates during the procedure.Any side effects such as those mentioned are temporary and will disappear within a few hours or days.

What should you do after a Cryolipolysis treatment?

It is very important that you follow the advice of your therapist following treatment.

Post-treatment advice may include:

The use of painkillers to treat soreness or pain in the treated area, as recommended

The use of cold compresses to treat swelling in the treated area, as recommended

Drinking up to 3 litres of a water per day

Most clients will be able to go straight back into their normal regime following a cryolipolysis procedure, but if you experience any pain or soreness in the treated area you might want to take extra care washing and caring for that area in the days following the procedure.

Who should not have Cryolipolysis treatment?To undergo cryolipolysis treatment, you should be in general good health and you should have realistic expectations of the outcome.

Most people are suitable candidates for cryolipolysis, and it is recommended as a safe treatment for individuals who are unable to undergo more invasive procedures such as liposuction, due to the risks associated with anaesthetic.

Cryolipolysis is not recommended for morbidly obese individuals as the procedure will not give any noticeable results.

Summary of advice for Cryolipolysis treatmentCryolipolysis is a safe, non-invasive procedure designed to kill fat cells. Because the fat cells gradually die and release their contents, the end result is very natural-looking, but this can make a big difference to your appearance, particularly if you are already eating well and exercising regularly.

Following a cryolipolysis procedure, you can expect a slimmer silhouette and smaller, less noticeable fat bulges.